The 31-year old came off the bench in the 1-1 Boxing Day draw with Blackburn Rovers for his first appearance since October 22 (and sixth of the season) but Dalglish is not getting carried away with his 21-minute cameo.

"We will manage it as professionally as we did before," said Dalglish ahead of tomorrow night’s home meeting with Newcastle United.

"Steven was back to full fitness before he got a freak injury and that's why he had to recuperate again, but the two of them weren't related.

"He is back and looks even better than he did the last time he came back but we are not going to be irresponsible and throw him in and take a chance.

"We know he's fit and we know he just needs game time; in the same way as we monitored him through the last time and we'll do the same this time.

"It has been disappointing for us not to have him fit and available for selection.

"He has been frustrated but I think he feels the bad luck may be behind him and he deserves a bit of good fortune."